Trials by Fire

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

– Matthew 6:34

It’s been about 2,000 years since Jesus’ first disciples heard this great declaration of truth and wisdom. And isn’t it just as relevant to modern-day Christ-followers? Surf the web and turn on the TV, and just try to avoid the stormy headlines about political scandals, natural disasters, and military conflicts.

Whether they’re literal or figurative, we’re always facing a storm of one kind or another. And there’s no escape — even after we’ve switched off the smartphone and changed the TV channel. For some people it might mean a job loss or financial setback. For others it’s a chronic illness or the prospect of major surgery. Or maybe your trouble involves family or relationship issues like a divorce or the loss of a loved one. In our fallen world, these trials by fire are a facet of the human experience.

Christ-followers, however, have the hope of better days ahead. That’s because we worship a God who’s much greater than our circumstances, no matter how discouraging they may be. Ours is a Creator who literally spoke the universe into existence, formed great mountain ranges with his hands, and parted the seas with a breath.

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” asks the writer of Genesis, the first book of the Bible.

So, let’s take God at his word. His hopeful message is that he works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purposes. But let’s also keep in mind that we’re not exempt from personal storms once we turn over our lives to Jesus. What does change, however, is that eternal assurance that helps us endure any difficulty or trial — trivial or immense. 

“Why are you afraid?” Christ asked his followers. “Do you still have no faith?"

In one form or another, the storms of life surround everyone. The lightning flashes and the thunder rumbles. But for Christ-followers, it's blue skies on the horizon as our trials by fire refine our faith.